Restaurant Review – Little Europe, Hydrostone

I had a couple of friends visiting from out of town last week, and I decided to take them up to the Hydrostone area of Halifax since they had never been.  They Hyrdrostone is a quaint little area of town with lovely buildings, shops and restaurants.  Little Europe is a newly opened restuarant in that area, and is definitely worth a trip to the North End to check out.

The tiny restuarant has only about 8 or 9 tables inside, as well as a small patio area outside.  The decor makes it feel as if you are dining al fresco whether you’re inside or out.  The chef and the kitchen are open concept, located right behind the register.  There is also a little take-out area where you can purchase gelato (which I didn’t try, but definitely will in the next couple of weeks).

The menu is mostly lighter fare, although I believe there were some pastas and larger main dishes as well.  I split a grilled veggie ciabatta, and had a cup of grilled pepper and tomato soup.  Fresh bread and olive oil/balsamic vinegar were provided as a started.

First of all, when we asked the server if we could split the sandwich I was expecting it to be delivered on one plate with perhaps two small side plates.  They actually took the time to prepare two different plates for us, complete with a side of the best french fries I’ve ever tasted!  They were crispy, and so flavourful that I didn’t need to use ketchup.  The sandwich was done on a very fresh and light ciabatta, and the grilled veggies were excellent!  There was also a bit of cheese, not overwhelming, just perfect.

The soup was also delicious, perhaps one of the best I’ve ever tasted.  You could really taste the roasted peppers and it was nice and creamy!

The price point is also quite good!  Most sandwiches were in the $9-12 range, and come with your choice of fries or salad (go for the fries – it’s worth it), and the cup of soup was under $6.

Don’t overlook this little gem.  It’s well worth going out of your way to visit they Hydrostone – and while you’re there,  check out some of the other great shops too!

Visit their website at : http://www.littleeurope.ca/

Movie #20 – Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince

Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince – Monday, July 27
Date : Holly
Value : $20
Total so far: $349
Location: Bayers Lake

This was the first Harry Potter movie I’ve gone to without reading the book first.  While in Quebec going to French Immersion for 5 weeks, I thought I’d be ambious and bought a Harry Potter book in French.  It took me three tries to get through it, and while it was a great lesson in the language, it turned me off reading the books.  I wouldn’t mind going back to reading them now, but I’m glad to have a bit of shock value while watching the movie.

A lot has been said about the teenage romances in the movie, and there were some extremely uncomfortable scenes that reminded me of teenage angst, but I thought several of those same scenes provided some good humour in the movie.  This humour was needed considering the other very dark side of the movie.

It has been fun to watch the three main characters grow up in front of our eyes, and I am glad that the series is doing so well.  It will be hard for any of these actors to escape their roles as Harry, Hermoine and Ron, but that’s because they’ve done such a great job and they can actually act (*unlike those Twilight kids who look much better than they act from what I’ve seen in the first movie).  I also thought that the audience base for this movie was quite interesting.  I would say 95% of the people in the theatre were over 25.  I think that goes to show that these aren’t just your regular teen-series dinky movies.

The first part of the final two-part movie comes out this Fall, and I’m already looking forward to it!  Kudos Harry, kudos!

Movie #19 – Public Enemies

Public Enemies – Sunday, July 19
Date : Mum, Chris, and Celeste
Value : $20
Total so far: $329
Location: Sydney

Ugh.

Is that enough said?  Because I don’t really have much more to say…
This movie was not very good.  Not very good at all.   Even Johnny Depp couldn’t keep my attention through what felt like 7 hours of a poorly made cops and robbers movie.  The story should have been good – based on the real life of John Dillinger, a bank robber who managed to elude police for several years and even escaped from jail.  I don’t know what it was about the movie, but there was no character development, the editing was awful, and it felt like something that was filmed out in the woods by my cottage by a couple of junior film students (no offense to film students – but I expect a bit more from a director like Michael Mann.

I wouldn’t even recommend renting this movie.  And I’m certainly glad I didn’t pay the price of admission.  Sorry Johnny.  I still love you.

Movie #18 – The Taking of Pelham 123

The Taking of Pelham 123 – Sunday, July 5
Date : Shawn
Value : $20
Total so far: $309
Location: Dartmouth Crossing

Surprise, surprise – another raining day during this Maritime Summer.  Ah well, I guess that meant another Sunday matinee!  This time it was Shawn’s choice as we hit up Dartmouth Crossing to see Pelham 123.  I wouldn’t recommend this movie if you’re planning a trip to NY any time soon.   If it helps, I’ve been there several times and I’ve always enjoyed my rides on the MTA.

The movie stars John Travolta and Denzel Washington.  John plays the bad guy, and pretty well might I add.  And Denzel the somewhat geeky yet handsome hero of the story.  I don’t have a lot to say about the film.  It was an action packed movie and a good summer flick.  I don’t see anyone winning an Oscar for this one, but it is still worth checking out.

Movie #17 – The Hangover

The Hangover – Sunday, June 28
Date : Holly
Value : $20
Total so far: $289
Location: Bayer’s Lake

It was a rainy day – the perfect day to go see a Sunday Matinee!  Our first attempt to see the 1:00 showing failed after a “Dude, Where’s My Car?” moment from Holly.  She eventually remembered that she left it downtown the night before, and we made it for the 3:30 show.

This movie has been out for a couple weeks now, and I’ve heard a lot of people say how funny it is.  Fortunately, The Hangover did not let me down!  The casting seemed perfect – especially a newcomer to me, Zach Galifianakis.  I’ve since watched some of his stuff on FunnyOrDie.com and it is all pretty funny.

My coworker got to see this movie on the weekend and said she found it a bit lewd, but compared to some of the other comedies that have come out recently (I’m talkin’ about you Superbad) I thought it was fine.  The photos at the end were a bit extreme, but they shouldn’t ruin the whole movie.

There’s not a heck of a lot more to say about the movie without giving too much away (cameos, etc.) so I’d just recommend going to see it if you enjoy a good laugh!

Movie #16 – The Proposal

The Proposal – Wednesday, June 24
Date : Myself!
Value : $9
Total so far: $269
Location: Park Lane

Well I’ve decided that if I want to get real use out of this card, I’m going to have to start going to the movies by myself.  It’s hard to work around your own schedules and everyone else’s.  For example, my sister and I have been planning to go see the Hangover for about two weeks now, and we still haven’t got there.

So yesterday I went to the 3:30 showing of the Proposal – by myself!  It was lovely!  There were only about 15 people in the theatre, and 4 or 5 of them were also by themselves.  I suppose most people are at work at this time of day, but luckily I can leave work just in time to make the late matinee.

This movie has been getting great reviews, and I believe it was #1 at the box office last week.  I’m a fan of Ryan Reynolds (especially enjoyed this week’s Entertainment Weekly with a multitude of hilarious pictures of him), and Sandra Bullock rarely disappoints in the romantic comedy genre.  Then of course, there’s Betty White.  I’m glad this young lady is finally getting some recognition for her comedy greatness!

The movie did not let down, and although there were fewer laughs than I expected, the story was cute and there were some funny moments.  My favourite thing about this movie though, were the clothes!  The bag that Sandra Bullock carries in the first few scenes is gorgeous.  And all of the Louboutin shoes…. *drool*  I like the clothing and accessories in this movie way more than Sex and the City!

I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend this movie.  I also wouldn’t hesitate to recommend going to a movie by yourself!  (*especially if it is free!)

Movie #15 – Up

Up – Monday, June 8
Date : Holly
Value : $18
Total so far: $260
Location: Bayers Lake

Loved it!  Loved it!  Loved it!

Holly and I went to check out “Up” in 3D, and we were both impressed from the get-go.  First of all, Holly had never seen a 3D movie before, so I enjoyed her first reaction to the special effect.  There was one point where we both jumped out of our seats in fear of being hit by an object flying across the screen.  It was great!

I even enjoyed the short animation at the beginning of the movie.  Not a word was said throughout the whole thing, but it was so endearing and sweet!  Who knew clouds could convey so much emotion?

As for the actual movie “Up” – the story was fantastic, the animation was great, and the characters were capturing.  I can’t say enough about how much I enjoyed this cute little movie.  Pixar has done it again!

Movie # 14 – Ghosts of Girlfriends Past

Ghosts of Girlfriends Past – Friday, May 29
Date : Mum
Value : $20
Total so far: $242
Location: Sydney

I’ve been home to Sydney a few times since getting my movie pass, but there never seems to be an appropriate “mum” movie playing.  Even this time, the theatre was filled with animated and superhero/action flicks.  So, for lack of anything better to see, we went and caught Ghosts of Girlfriends Past.

Many females may say that it is worth the price of admission to see Matthew McConaughey on the big screen, and I will agree. That is, if like me, you paid nothing to see the movie.  It just wasn’t very good.  It is every other movie that Matthew McConaughey has been in, plus a little Scrooge.  Yes he’s attractive, yes he may be able to get any woman he wants – I get that.  Time to step up your game Mr. McConaughey, and do something that shows some talent other than looking hot.

I should say that I didn’t hate the movie.  I may have laughed once or twice, and I didn’t look at my watch every five minutes.  But it is definitely not a “must see” – even on video (or dvd or blueray – whatever you kids are watching these days!).

Movie #13 – Angels and Demons

Angels and Demons
Friday, May 15
Date : Shawn
Value : $20
Total so far: $222
Location: Park Lane

Shawn and I went to check out Angels and Demons on opening night.  It was the sequel to the DaVinci Code, and once again starred Tom Hanks as the lead character Robert Langdon.

I first read the DaVinci code while it was in the height of its popularity a few years ago.  I really enjoyed the book, but felt the movie was a bit of a let down.  I often find that with movies based on books, but still go to see them anyway.  My main complaint was believing Tom Hanks as the adventurous, fast thinking Langdon.  He just didn’t seem to fit that role to me.

Fortunately, he was able to change my mind in Angels and Demons.  A slimmed down Hanks played the role much better this time, and I felt that although the story was unbelievable in several parts, it kept my interest and I enjoyed the twists and turns.  Ewan McGregor (*enjoyable to look at, even if he is dressed like a priest), played an innocent and naïve priest very well and was a great addition to the movie!

Movie #12 – State of Play

State of Play – Tuesday, May 5
Date : Shawn
Value : $18
Total so far: $202
Location: Bayers Lake

This movie has a stellar cast : Russell Crowe, Rachel McAdams, Helen Mirren, Ben Affleck, and my favourite – Jason Bateman!  I find often times when there is such an all star cast, the movie does not live up to my expectations.  I’m still undecided on this one.

Although the movie was only 127 minutes long, it seemed to go on forever.  There were some exciting moments, but there were also times where I was puzzled and not quite sure what was going on.  I wouldn’t say the plot was overly intricate, but there were a lot of different parties involved and it was sometimes difficult to know who was who.  It did come together in the end, and it wasn’t a bad movie.

I should mention that one of the highlights was in one of the opening scenes, while Crowe’s character was driving to the murder scene.  He was listening, and singing along to “The Night that Paddy Murphy Died” by Great Big Sea.  I know that he and Alan Doyle have become friends over the last couple of years, and it was great to see him include the band in the movie!  Apparently Doyle is currently filming scenes for Crowe’s movie – yet another take on Robin Hood.  I’m sure ticket sales in NFLD for that one will be exceptional!